Tag: travel

Thailand golf rivals the world’s greatest golf destinations with challenging layouts by ‘A’ list designers. If there is a difference in Thailand, it is the value. Thailand golfers enjoy championship golf at greens fees of around $100 – $150 USD which is typically less than you’d pay in Hawaii, the Caribbean, Scotland, South Africa, and other premium golf destinations around the world.

But world-class aside, here is a novel idea for the adventurous. Thailand also has many off-the-beaten-path, local muni types of courses, where you meet John Q. Public (e.g. local Thai golfers and expatriates) who know where to go for the best value-for-money and some real local fun. Now, this is not for everyone, to be sure. The greens can be tricky; fairways might use local grasses; and tee boxes are probably not perfectly flat or closely mowed. You don’t play these courses for their modern clubhouses and stately locker rooms and the dining room is likely to be a large covered patio rather than a posh air-conditioned restaurant.

You play these tracks for the cultural experience of encountering people living their daily lives, not catering to the every whim of tourists. You will be treated like a local. You’ll pay $12-$16 USD for eighteen holes with a caddy, not including tip. You’ll feel just like everybody else and that is part of the charm. Well, it is if you find it charming to be paired with community Thai folks and local expatriates that engage you in pleasant conversation and become new friends after 18 holes; or probably 19.

Sorting out flights and airfare for a Thailand golf vacation can be time consuming and full of potential pitfalls. Here is some guidance based on both my own experiences and what Golfasian’s clients tell me.

In general, you will get the best options and pricing by arranging international airfare in your country of origin and booking round trip tickets. As route and landing rights have become less restrictive and more players have joined the game, the options have opened up considerably for international golf travelers. One hot trend in recent years has been low cost no frills budget carriers, though they should be approached with caution as quality, staff, training and equipment can vary significantly and many have not been able to stay in business for long.

When choosing among airlines to Thailand, be sure to take into account the ‘total’ cost, which is often not readily apparent. In addition to taxes, fees and potential surcharges, Thailand bound golfers need to pay particular attention to luggage allowances especially for golf clubs. If traveling Business or First Class the luggage allowances are generous to the point where you will not encounter luggage surcharges. Economy Class travelers need to be more careful.